Michael Jackson’s abandoned Neverland Ranch ‘brought back to life ahead of major biopic’

The 2,700-acre ranch near Santa Barbara, which is where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reside, is famously named after the home of Michael Jackson’s fictional hero Peter Pan

Michael Jackson’s notorious Neverland theme park has been resurrected as filming for the late pop star’s biopic kicks off.

A film company has breathed new life into the ranch near Santa Barbara, which is now bustling once again. The sprawling 2,700-acre located close to where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle currently reside, was named after Peter Pan’s home by Jackson himself.

After his death, the once vibrant park fell into disrepair but has now been revitalised. Jacko called the ranch home from 1988 to 2005, and transformed it into a private amusement park. In 2003, a search warrant was executed at the Neverland Ranch in relation to the People v. Jackson trial, following charges against the singer for multiple counts of child molestation.

Despite being acquitted of all charges, Jackson declared he would never live at the property again, stating it no longer felt like home. And following his death in 2009 at the age of 50, there were rumours his family were planning on transforming the site into a tourist spot for fans.

Work has began to redevelop Michael Jackson’s Neverland park (Image: Getty Images)

In December 2020, Neverland was snapped up by billionaire businessman Ron Burkle for a mere $22million (£17,754,770), a fraction of its original asking price. A spokesperson for Burkle at the time described the purchase as a land banking opportunity.

However, recent developments suggest a revival of the iconic property, with old rides refurbished and the park brimming with life, in snaps seen by the Mirror. Fresh images reveal a vibrant and lively ranch, complete with a grand Ferris wheel, circus tent, and merry-go-round. The restoration is credited to a film company preparing for a movie about the King of Pop’s life.

The rebuild is part of the singer’s biopic film (Image: Getty Images)

Aerial shots depict a colourful array of fairground attractions, tents, and a distinctive red train, reminiscent of the King of Pop’s original abode. The ranch also boasts a hot air balloon ride and the classic red train that once ferried visitors around the park during Jackson’s residence.

The photos capture cameras in action around the ranch, with film crew trucks parked nearby. The theme park is teeming with actors, some portraying balloon sellers while others operate rides and manage food stalls.

The theme park is bustling with activity as production begins
The theme park is bustling with activity as production begins for the film (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Jaafar Jackson is set to dazzle as his iconic uncle, Michael Jackson, in the much-anticipated biopic titled ‘Michael’. Slated for an April release next year, the film promises to be a show-stopper with Antoine Fuqua at the helm and John Logan penning the script. The flick will delve into the extraordinary life of Jackson, from his moonwalking highs to the controversies that followed him. “Principal photography” is kicking off mid-2023 with a hefty $120million (£97m) reportedly being splashed on crew and vendors.

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